UK DIY News

The Range to take over former Focus DIY store in Peterborough

Up to 100 jobs could be created in Peterborough after a rapidly growing retailer unveiled its plans to open a major store in the city.

It is estimated that up to 100 jobs could be created if bosses of household products retailer The Range secure approval to open a new store at the former Focus site in Boongate, Peterborough.

A planning application has been submitted by the firm to Peterborough City Council seeking permission for a change of use for the site.

It states that the premises would be used for the sale of DIY, maintenance and improvement products for the home, garden and car.

It adds that a quarter of the floorspace would also be used to provide a cafe for customers.

A spokesman for The Range said: “We are recognised for our unique variety with more than 65,000 quality products across 16 departments from homeware to arts and craft.

“Our concept is to offer mid-price home, leisure and garden products drawing together everything that could be needed for the home at affordable prices.”

Other goods that would also be on offer at the store include camping and bulky leisure goods, bulky household goods, hobbies and craft supplies along with pet products.

The site in Boongate has been empty for more than two years after Focus DIY moved out and the plans for The Range to move in have been welcomed as way of bringing new life to the area.

Chief executive of Peterborough Chamber of Commerce John Bridge said: “The decision by The Range to submit an application to move to the city is another vote of confidence in Peterborough.

“New jobs for city people are always welcome and The Range will be a valuable addition to the variety of retailers that Peterborough already offers.”

Fast-growing The Range firm has opened 59 stores across the country and currently employs around 4,000 people since its creation in Plymouth in 1980.

It is the latest retailer to either move into Peterborough or strengthen its presence in the city.

Clothing and homeware giant Marks and Spencer and the fashion chain Next have recently announced that they plan to open new stores as part of the redevelopment of the Brotherhood Shopping Park in Walton.

This is while work is currently underway to create a huge store for the budget clothing retailer Primark in the Queensgate Shopping Centre, which in turn comes hot on the heels of the opening of TK Maxx, in Bridge Street, earlier this year.